SPRING 2014
SHALOM IN THE CITY
ABOUT THE COVER: We are a school that exists to
glorify Jesus. We are committed to prayer as a way of communing with our Savior, relying on him, bringing our requests to his feet, and softening our own hearts as we meditate on his grace. The prayers of young students are especially beautiful. Their prayers are simple, straightforward, and sincere. Because of Jesus, we are a school that seeks to pray without ceasing. The cast of Annie prays backstage before opening curtain.
SPRING 2014 LANTERN VOLUME 1
ISSUE 2
We hope you enjoy the newly designed Lantern. We are excited to keep you informed about all that God is doing in the life of our school. EDITORIAL
ADMINISTRATION
Brandon Van Deinse Development Manager and Staff Writer
Jake Becker Head of School
Anna Taylor Staff Writer and Publication Design
Stephanie Hook Principal, Spruce Hill and Walnut Street Campuses Jim Sorge Principal, Rittenhouse Campus
Special thanks for photography go to Jessica Becker, Ryan Cardone, Kyle Delhagen, Kimberly Hamel and Melissa Sanchez. CHANGE OF ADDRESS Contact the Development Office. The City School, 315 S. 17th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103 or call 215.731.1930. PRINTING Messiah College | Mechanicsburg, PA The Lantern is the biannual publication of The City School. The City School is a K-12 college preparatory Christian school celebrating 35 years in the heart of Philadelphia. Our mission is to train students’ minds, disciple their hearts, and bring light to the city—one child at a time.
LANTERN C O N T E N T S LIGHT TO THE CITY—ONE CHILD AT A TIME
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The City School is growing! To further our mission to bring light to the city—one child at a time, we are merging with Philadelphia Mennonite High School.
SHALOM
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COMMITTING TO SHALOM Because of Jesus, we are committed to shalom in the city through excellent and accessible education.
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WHAT HAS SHALOM TO DO WITH ___? Seniors investigate how shalom affects various subjects.
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DEAR PEN PAL Our second grade class becomes pen pals with college students.
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A FAITH OF RECONCILIATION A January term class on the History of Philadelphia explores issues of racial violence, oppression, and injustice.
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HARRIET TUBMAN A study on Harriet Tubman inspires third graders.
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SUITING UP FOR THE INTERVIEW. . . TEN YEARS IN ADVANCE The City School at Walnut Street hosts its inaugural career day.
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A HOME AWAY FROM HOME We’re proud to announce our new International Program. See if hosting an International student might be right for you!
DISEASE & DESIGN A trip to the Mütter Museum challenges middle school students with the realities of living in a fallen world.
SERVING OUR CITY & YOURS Six high school seniors travel to the Dominican Republic to grow in leadership and service.
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: Alumni Spotlight: Dante, p. 17; Behind the Scenes: Annie, p. 20
Right: Student ambassadors from The City School and Philadelphia Mennonite High School meet each other to talk about their hopes and dreams for the combined school and how they can be leaders in welcoming their peers. Below: Head of School Becker announces the merger to both school communities at a joint chapel service, featuring a performance by the Goshen College Choir.
Light to the
City ONE CHILD AT A T I M E By Jake Becker, Head of School
WITHIN FIVE MINUTES OF WALKING INTO THE CITY SCHOOL ,
I knew this is a place where students are loved. My wife and I scoured the city in search of a school suitable for our son, Caleb. Meeting after meeting, open house after open house, we explored a diversity of educational options. Schools ranged from abysmal to the kindergarten equivalent of the Ivy League, but after each visit we knew we hadn’t found our school home yet. Something was missing. We wanted a place where Caleb would learn to read and write, but beyond that, we wanted a place where he would learn to see God’s glory in every subject, to serve with a humble heart, and to pursue new knowledge with joy. We wanted a place where he would be loved. A friend advised us to visit The City School’s open house. We walked through the doors, met Mrs. Hook, all smiles and cheer, and popped into a kindergarten classroom full of students enthralled by their teacher’s every word. That was all it took. We found our school home. For the past three years I have been privileged to be the Head of School, serving and leading a community I fell in love with as a parent. I have learned a lot over these years, and there are many details and nuances that flesh out my understanding of our mission and how it’s lived out
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every day. I get to see students flourish, just as my own little
even more talents to invest. I believe The City School is like
boy has flourished. I get to welcome new parents into our
the faithful servant, and God has entrusted us with new
community, just as I was welcomed into our community.
opportunities for growth.
With every step, I gain a deeper appreciation of that fact I learned five minutes into my City School experience: students are loved here.
It is with a joyful heart that I announce our merger with Philadelphia Mennonite High School. On Thursday, February 27, after nearly a year of market research,
It is an honor to serve alongside you—parents and
surveys, discussion, prayer and deliberation, the boards of
grandparents, students, teachers, financial partners, board
The City School and Philadelphia Mennonite High School
members, friends in the community, and the countless
voted to merge together, beginning next school year. Since
other people who invest themselves in our school. In this
PMHS’s founding in 1998, our schools have partnered
short period of time, we’ve made some huge decisions
together to serve the children of Philadelphia. We have
together. We have increased tuition along with financial aid,
exchanged best practices, pursued dual-enrollment
opened a new middle school campus, enrolled more
opportunities together, patterned our mentorship program
students than ever before, and united our school under a
after theirs, learned alongside one another at professional
new name. I believe the Lord has honored our
development conferences, and prayerfully helped each
commitments to Jesus, the city, excellence, and accessibility.
other through seasons of difficulty. If this is one defining
I think often of Jesus’ parable of the talents: one servant is
feature of both schools, it is that students are loved with the
condemned for burying his talent in fear, the other is
love of Jesus. Ours is a long and storied history, and our
commended for faithfully investing the talent he has been
merger is the natural consummation of a relationship that
given. The faithful investor was praised and awarded with
has been cultivated for years. While The City School name
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and locations will remain, the spirit of PMHS will grow and continue to imbue our school with even deeper commitments to passion, justice, mercy, reconciliation, and the grace of Jesus Christ. Mergers can be difficult, but I am encouraged as I reflect on our past. We are already a school born from a merger. The City School owes its cultural and educational heritage to Spruce Hill Christian School and City Center Academy. Now, we are excited to draw what is most excellent from PMHS and see it
Committing to Shalom
thrive at The City School. Their founding principal, Dr. Barbara Moses, and many of their staff will continue to serve our school community with wisdom and talents. This is one of many beautiful ways the spirit of PMHS will live on through The City School. We are one school, now made rich by the heritage of three Jesus-honoring institutions. Prayerfully, this merger will increase our overall school population from 275 to over 310 students, with our high school growing from 105 to 140 students. The faculty and staff at Philadelphia Mennonite High School will continue to improve the school's academic program, where our student to teacher ratio will remain strong at ten students for every one teacher. The PMHS building will become The City School's fourth campus, the Fairmount campus, and will house our administrative offices and, by God’s grace, a second elementary campus, to be opened in just a few years. Please join us in celebrating God’s work in our community. He continues to provide for our every need—not merely to sustain us, but to grow our mission year after year. Our merger with PMHS is
IF YOU ASK A CITY SCHOOL KINDERGARTNER TO DEFINE THE HEBREW WORD SHALOM, they will tell you proudly that it means
peace. After twelve years learning in a culture where shalom is taught and modeled daily, our seniors will give you a more incarnational response. “Shalom is commonly known to mean peace,” Najah explains, “but it also means completeness, wholeness, harmony, prosperity, and justice.” Mr. Delhagen instructs that shalom is lived out through four essential relationships. “Shalom is peace in relationship to one’s self, relationship to others, relationship to creation, and finally in relationship with God. It is peace that fills every area of life and surpasses understanding.” Jesus’ life, ministry, death, and resurrection are the embodiment of shalom. The prophet Isaiah foresees the Messiah’s reign and calls his coming redeemer the Prince of Peace—in Hebrew, the Sar Shalom. Shalom, then, is a word to describe a kind of peace as vast and all-embracing as the loving reign of our Savior. It is the peace of Jesus.
an enormous step towards bringing the light of Jesus
As a school striving to glorify Jesus in all we do, shalom has always been
to every corner of our great city. That is, after all,
vital to our school culture. We seek shalom in our city through service
our singular, shared, sacred mission: to bring light to
in our Faith in Action program, through our emphasis on justice in our
the city—one child at a time.
history curriculum, through our responsive classroom approach to conflict resolution, and through a mentorship program that focuses on building a culture of grace. Just as our core commitments to Jesus, the City, Excellence, and Accessibility have always guided our mission—long before they were codified in written language—our commitment to shalom has defined our culture since we opened our doors. In the same way, PMHS carries a rich tradition of peacemaking, which is reflected in their mission statement: to equip students for leadership, service, and peacemaking. Honoring our shared commitments, we are pleased to announce a fifth core commitment, to shalom. Because of Jesus, we are committed to shalom in the city through excellent and accessible education.
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C O R E C O M M I T M E N T S AT A G L A N C E BECAUSE OF JESUS, WE ARE COMMITTED TO SHALOM IN THE CITY THROUGH EXCELLENT AND ACCESSIBLE EDUCATION.
EXCELLENCE
SHALOM
JESUS We glorify Jesus as Lord and Savior. He is the first and the last. We are committed to honoring him in all we do.
We seek wholeness so that, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10).
CITY The city is a place where joy and destruction converge. Committing to the city means loving the place we live and working to make it even better.
In love, we offer a rigorous academic program that challenges students where they excel, and we are committed to helping them where they struggle.
ACCESS An excellent education must be open to students from diverse races, economic backgrounds, academic abilities, and faith traditions, and we provide significant scholarships for students with deep financial needs.
W H AT H A S S H A L O M T O D O W I T H _ _ _ ? Every year our seniors write an inquiry-based research paper on the topic of shalom. Students choose any subject they desire and explore answers to the question, “How does shalom affect this subject?” They choose topics as diverse as peace among Middle Eastern nations, the therapeutic effects of the arts, the influence of advertising on teenage girls, respect and rivalry in major league sports, and the impact of reality television on youth culture. Students are encouraged to delve deeply into their issue and carefully consider diverse points-of-view. This is a college-level research project, intended to prepare students for the rigors of university education. Upon completing this assignment, students will have a better grasp of the skills needed to thrive in college and a more comprehensive understanding of what it means to seek shalom. Here are a few excerpts from this year’s senior papers.
NAJAH, “STUCK IN TRAFFIC: THE WINDING ROAD OF INNOCENT VICTIMS”
BROOKE, “REALITY CHECK”
Victims of sex trafficking often become ashamed and
Reality Television has gradually engrained itself into our
can't bear to look at themselves in the mirror. Many deal
culture by its presence in every aspect of our lives. We can’t
with fear and anxiety as a result of the constant abuse
even visit the supermarket without seeing the latest scandal
that they endure, and some grow to hate men. This
amongst reality stars splattered over the tabloids. Reality
industry causes many negative effects and breaks shalom.
Television breaks shalom by promoting destructive values
The victims who are trafficked do not have peace and
but it also builds shalom because its relatable messages
constantly live in fear . . .
address problems but present feasible solutions . . .
Although sex trafficking is a depressing ordeal, there is
Reality television has created a culture obsessed with vanity
hope. Recent efforts have been made for its eradication
above all other attributes, but it has also been successful in
and more organizations than ever are emerging for the
discouraging teenage pregnancy and eating disorders.
aid of victims. If more people are aware of this crime and
Bullying is a rude reality to millions, and it is portrayed
are able to identify victims of trafficking then millions of
accurately on television. Although reality television breaks
children can be saved. Although the industry is large we
shalom, it is active in creating it. We are creatures of
can help end it by doing our part and help save victims
influence, and to fully thrive in shalom we must live better
and bring shalom one step at a time.
lives without being fooled by television’s devious messages.
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Design &
Disease
By Brandon Van Deinse, Development Manager I like to think of my job as a storyteller. Whether I’m writing a grant proposal or posting a photo on our school’s Facebook page, whether I’m preparing a student to speak before hundreds of people at our Annual Benefit or having a one-on-one meeting with a partner or vendor, a big part of my job is sharing The City School’s story. To do this well, it’s important I spend time with our students and teachers, watching and writing down the million big-and-little ways our mission is lived out every day. One way I get to do this is by chaperoning our field trips. When Mrs. Hamel invited me to join the middle school on a tour of the Mütter Museum, I knew there was a story to pursue.
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DEDICATED TO THE BIZARRE AND OFTEN GHASTLY history of medical
science, the Mütter Museum is as informative as it is macabre. It is a learning experience, to be sure, but beyond the crash course in anatomy and virology, there is a deeper lesson for our students. We live in God’s world, a world artfully designed, particle by particle, by a God of infinite genius, beauty, joy, and goodness. But, look around: we live in a world of disease, decay, despair, and death. The Mütter Museum challenges us to confront this reality. I believe our Savior, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief, teaches us to do the same.
Left: (clockwise from back) Shelton, Sarah, Olivia, Kyhmeir, Sophie, Brendon, Quashawn, and Andrew, in front of the Mütter museum.
I head to the middle school campus and meet with Mrs.
We walk the halls and inspect ghastly displays. With
Hamel, Mr. Spalding. Mrs. King, and Ms. Mercer. Their
context, each piece becomes more than a gruesome relic—it
students are a controlled chaos of excitement. Field trips
is an academic investigation and, beyond that, the legacy of
have that effect, remember? We buddy up and make our
a real person uniquely bearing God’s glory. We see the
way to the train station. “So,” I ask Mrs. Hamel, “why do
lumbering, disproportioned skeleton of a giant beside the
middle school students visit the Mütter Museum?”
mangled frame of a dwarf. We see them not as freaks or
“We are learning about God’s design in the human body,” she answers, “and I think it’s important they see the other side of design—that in a fallen world there are diseases and deformities. This knowledge leads to empathy. They learn so they can serve.” I think about her answer as we board the train.
medical curiosities, but as people: people whose lives we can honor by showing compassion to the weakest and most vulnerable among us. We see slices of Albert Einstein’s brain and ponder the marvels of a God who so permeates creation that three pounds of grey gunk can contain—and create!—all the genius of history’s foremost scientific mind. An exhibit devoted to medical oddities in infants cuts too
As we disembark, a man from the crowd stops Mrs. Hamel.
deep. I think of my own son, Tristan, born three months
“Pardon me,” he says, “but I notice the logo on your
premature—fragile and fighting for life—as I divert my
students’ uniforms—you’re from The City School. I want to
eyes. If nothing else, these little ones remind me to hold my
tell you I sent my son there, and it was the best decision of
son extra close that night.
my life.” Joan smiles, “Where is he now?” His son, we learn, recently graduated from college and is pursuing a teaching career of his own. “He has an offer at Drexel,” the man tells us, “I am so proud of the man he has become.” He thanks us and asks where we’re headed. “We’re on our way to the Mütter Museum,” Mrs. Hamel explains. “Fascinating,” our new friend remarks, “Kids, think carefully about what you see today. You can be the one to change it.” We part ways
“THIS IS WHY WE VISIT THE MACABRE MUSEUM, TO CONFRONT DISEASE, DECAY,
and head to our destination.
AND DESPAIR—NOT TO OGLE AT
A huge banner hangs beside the entrance, declaring the
IT, BUT TO OVERCOME IT.”
museum’s motto and setting ominous ambiance. “Disturbingly Informative,” it reads, against a sepia-toned backdrop of human skulls. I ask our students if they would
I hear a few girls gasp in harmony and I turn around.
like to pose with the somber sign. A few rush to volunteer
“What is this?” they ask, eyes wide with curiosity and
and I snap a couple quick shots. As it turns out,
horror. “Those,” Mrs. Hamel curtly responds, “are ovarian
photography is strictly forbidden inside, so this is our only
cysts.”
memento—too bad, because the exhibits would make for a phenomenal photo shoot. You’ll have to use your imagination. We walk inside and meet our tour guide. She’s cheery and enthusiastic, and her demeanor helps contextualize the grisly displays. She tells us about the museum’s founder and
“Ovarian?” Sadie repeats, her fingers trailing down her belly as the meaning of the word dawns on her. “Like, ovaries?” The girls howl together with imagined pain. “Mr. Brandon,” Mrs. Hamel calls over to me, “can you tell these girls how painful ovarian cysts are?”
namesake, Dr. Thomas Dent Mütter. He was a master
I can. My wife, Stephanie, has endured endometriosis and
surgeon and well-loved professor at Jefferson Medical
ovarian cysts for years. Just a few days earlier, she had
College, and he pioneered the field of antiseptics. Through
surgery: one of her ovaries was so ravaged with cysts that it
his distinguished medical career, he treated many people
had to be removed. She was at home nursing a six-inch
with rare and bizarre afflictions. Fascinated with medical
incision, a new wound to replace the pain of swelling cysts.
oddities, he began the collection that eventually became the Mütter Museum. 7
something like this as a kid. When you see the disease, you want to find the cure.” Maybe there were future doctors, nurses, surgeons, and scientists in our group that day. Maybe one of our students will cure endometriosis or save the lives of children born with rare and deadly diseases. I don’t know what ministry God has in store for each student. But I do know we left the museum with softened hearts and strengthened worldviews. We left, I think, a little more like Jesus, our man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. “God,” Samar whispers, “help us make this right.” The author with his wife, Stephanie, and son, Tristan.
“It’s like being stabbed in the gut over and over
D E A R P E N PA L
again,” I tell them, quoting my wife. I tell them about her chronic pain and her recent surgery. I tell them the surgeons removed a cyst larger than my fist. “I feel like a walking bomb,” I tell them in my wife’s voice, “at any moment my cysts could hemorrhage and I could die.” I tell them doctors said she would never be able to have children, but we have an adorable two-year-old prince who proves them wrong. “He’s a miracle,” Carmen says. I agree. Listening, their expressions change. Even without words, the subtle change in their eyes tells the story
ANTICIPATION BUILDS AS THE SMELL OF CHEESE-LADEN
of why The City School visits the Mütter Museum.
PIZZA DRIFTS THROUGH THE CLASSROOM . The City
The glare of disgust—a rightful response to the sight
School’s second graders are staying after school, playing games
of cyst-rotted ovaries—gives way to a gaze of
and eagerly awaiting the arrival of pen pals they have been
compassion. This is why we visit the macabre
corresponding with for the past six weeks. Now, as the clock
museum, to confront disease, decay, and
nears 5:00, they have the nervous fidgets. “Having a pen pal is
despair—not to ogle at it, but to overcome it.
weird,” Emanuel explains, “because you have never met your
“I’m so sorry she has to go through that,” Ebony says. “I hope she heals quickly,” Devin adds. “We need to pray for a cure,” Larina proposes with hope in her voice, still staring at the cadaverous display. As we head out, I ask Samar what he thought about the trip. “The baby exhibits hurt my stomach,” he says with a pause, “…and my heart.” I nod, “Mine too.” We share a moment of silence and Samar interjects:
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pen pal before.” Dat disagrees, “It makes me feel famous!” Seeking middle ground, Amoz joins in, “I feel nervous and proud about having a pen pal.” Our highly-awaited pen pals are a group of students from Harcum College, where The City School’s kindergarten teacher, Melissa Sanchez, teaches an Early Literacy class. Earlier in the fall, Melissa agreed to participate in a pilot program launched by Harcum. They decided to pair students in their Early Childhood Education program with second grade pen pals. For six weeks, students from both schools passed notebooks back and forth,
“It was important to see those things, though.
responding to the same prompt. Students were asked to describe
Sometimes it was hard to look, but it inspires me to
their favorite book character, express what they enjoy about
make a difference with my life. I bet a lot of people
school, and share their hobbies. Bonds formed as the notebooks
first decide to become doctors because they see
exchanged hands. “Having a pen pal is amazing because I write
Finally getting the chance to meet face to face, Amoz and Guy discuss their letters with their Harcum pen pal.
SPECIAL THANKS TO HARCUM COLLEGE FOR SPONSORING THE PEN PAL PROJECT. THEY PROVIDED THE NOTEBOOKS, GIFTED OUR STUDENTS WITH MAGIC TREEHOUSE BOOKS, THREW THE PIZZA PARTY, AND MADE A GENEROUS CONTRIBUTION TO THE SPRUCE HILL CAMPUS.
about what I like, and she likes going shopping just like I
“When I had them as kindergartners, they were just
do!” gushed Kyla.
learning to read and make letters, and now they are
The end-of-program pizza party reinforced these personal
writing whole pages—their books were heavy!”
bonds. Melissa reflects, “At the party, our second graders
After the party, Melissa had a chance to drive some of her
were able to meet and connect with college students who
college students home. Their curiosity piqued, they
look like them. This helps them to see the next step after
peppered her with questions: Why do you teach there?
they leave The City School.” Having older role models
Wouldn’t you rather be working places where you make
prepares students to aspire to a college education from an
more money? Suddenly six weeks of lugging notebooks
early age.
back and forth became deeply meaningful. “It gave me a
The benefits are also academic. Our second graders were able to fine-tune their writing skills by reflecting on the college students’ responses, and Harcum students used the letters as an opportunity for peer-editing and to learn how children grow in their writing skills. One practice that surprised them was the emphasis we place on inventive spelling—spelling the way something actually sounds. “Starting in kindergarten” Melissa explains, “we teach our students there are three ways to spell. You can spell by what you hear, by memory, or by rules.” Inventive spelling empowers students to approach writing without fear. For
chance to talk about Jesus,” Melissa said. “I’m willing to take a pay cut because following Jesus Christ is important to me.” Her answers bewildered the Harcum studentsthey couldn’t understand why money was less important than Christ’s calling. Following Jesus doesn’t often make sense by worldly standards of success, but a commitment to that sort of upside-down service to our Savior, through loving and teaching all students with excellence, is characteristic of The City School’s faculty and staff. “God called me here,” Melissa says, “God called all our teachers here, and we want to serve him.”
Melissa, seeing the progress our students make is rewarding.
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S ERVI NG
&
Our City
Yours
Left: The City School’s Dominican Republic Team (clockwise from back) Milan, Jacqualyn, Sonia, Ciani, and José. Below: (left) Grilled red snapper, yum! Students were excited to try new foods on the island. (right) A sign of God's covenant: a rainbow hangs directly over Santiago Christian School's middle school campus.
This January a small group of seniors flew to Santiago, Dominican Republic to experience new culture, serve people in love, and grow as young leaders in their community. This year’s trip was the first of many, as we forge exciting partnerships with Annapolis Area Christian School and Santiago Christian School. Together, our students participate in Student Leadership University, an experiential leadership program that, “offers unforgettable experiences that equip students to change the way they think, dream and lead, both today and for the rest of their lives.” While in Santiago, students experienced the breadth of Dominican culture: they lounged on the beach,
“THIS WAS AN EYE-OPENING
munching on pineapples and sipping iced tea, and they got
ADVENTURE. I FEEL MORE
their hands dirty with hard labor, digging troughs in a local
GRATEFUL FOR THE THINGS I HAVE,
farmer’s pigpen. Students prayed and worshipped together, attended leadership conferences, climbed mountains and tunneled through an amber mine, shared a classroom with Dominican teenagers, and practiced their Spanish with local neighbors. Our students flew 1,400 miles hoping to become better leaders in the city they love. “Getting away from home and
AND I THANK GOD FOR BLESSING ME WITH THE CHANCE TO SERVE OTHERS. I HAVE LEARNED TO RELY ON GOD WHEN I GO THROUGH TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS AND
seeing the world from a new perspective,” Milan explains,
TO APPRECIATE EVERY GOOD
“opens our eyes to new ways of serving our own community.
THING I HAVE.”
For us, this trip was more than a few days of service—it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that changes the way we
-CIANNI
serve people every day. We want to love, lead, and serve the way Jesus does, the way we learned in Santiago.” 11
U P O N T H E M O U N TA I N By Kyle Delhagen, High School English Teacher THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE WHEN YOU GET OUT OF THE PICKUP TRUCKS IN PALO ALTO IS THE MUD. It’s everywhere. There are also a lot
of cows, so you need to be particularly careful about where you place your next step. Palo Alto is in the mountains outside of Santiago, Dominican “THIS TRIP HAS CHANGED MY LIFE, AND IT WILL CONTINUE TO
Republic, and because of its altitude, the conditions can change rapidly. You can be sunning yourself in the warm tropical sun one minute, and the next find yourself immersed in a cloud (literally, a cloud!), scrambling to throw
CHANGE ME GOING FORWARD. I
everything inside to keep it from the rain.
HAVE LEARNED TO APPRECIATE
The second thing you notice, provided you are not at that moment in the
SO MUCH. I AM ABLE TO SHOW
cloud, is the view. On a clear day, you can get an unobstructed view that
MORE APPRECIATION TO MY
takes you clear to the beach, and beyond, the Caribbean Sea. In the other direction, mountains rise up, formed over millennia by shifting tectonics, a
PARENTS, MY TEACHERS, AND TO
low valley carved out before you, as if God’s finger had just drawn a line in a
GOD. I NOW REALIZE I HAVE SO
piece of clay.
MUCH MORE THAN MANY PEOPLE
One of the images that returned to me time and again during our brief stay
IN THE WORLD. I WILL APPLY THE
in Palo Alto, was that of Jesus going up on a mountain to pray. This was particularly present with me as I was mindful of the approaching season of
LEADERSHIP SKILLS I’M LEARNING,
Lent. Time and again throughout the gospels, Jesus retires “up a
AND I WILL TEACH THEM TO MY
mountain” to pray, to commune with the Father, and to meditate on his
FRIENDS AT HOME.” -MILAN
ministry. Up on the mountain, our group found time to do just that. Even though we were distracted by animals and critters we don’t usually interact with, frigid water for “showers,” and a constant reminder to wash our hands lest we contract some type of parasite, we caught a glimpse of God more clearly: in the work of the elderly couple who have dedicated their lives to the ministry
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Above: From mud to pickup trucks to sunny beaches, The City School's former Headmaster, Seth Cohen, and high school principal, Owen Davis, showed the team some Dominican hospitality. Dr. Cohen and Mr. Davis are missed, but we're glad to see them bringing excellent Christian education to the Dominican Republic.
“IN SANTIAGO THERE ARE A COUPLE DIFFERENT TYPES OF COMMUNITIES. SOME
of the retreat center; in the fellowship of new and
ARE VERY NICE, LIKE VACATION SPOTS ON
renewed friendships; in the glory of God’s good
THE BEACH. OTHER PARTS ARE VERY BROKEN
creation.
DOWN, LITERALLY. IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Yet there is an important part of the gospel story that we
I’M STAYING AT, I SAW SEVERAL BUILDINGS
who go up the mountain for retreat must remember: Jesus did not stay on the mountain. Rather, he returned to the city. Not only did we have to come back down the mountain to Santiago, but we had to return to our home in Philadelphia (which was particularly hard considering the temperatures in Santiago were averaging around 88 degrees!). What has struck me most profoundly in the days since our return, is the way the six students have been processing and articulating what they experienced. They have been sharing their experiences with their
THAT COLLAPSED. ONE CORNER STORE WAS BUILT ON A SLANT AND SUPPORTED BY A SINGLE BEAM. A LOT OF DOGS ROAM AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD—THEY ARE NICE, BUT THEY SEEM LIKE BEGGARS, NOT PETS. THE PEOPLE IN MY COMMUNITY ARE FRIENDLY AND WELCOMING, AND I FEEL LIKE I AM ABLE TO EXPERIENCE THEIR CULTURE. BEING HERE
peers and integrating their learning into their daily lives.
HAS OPENED MY EYES TO THE POVERTY AND
Questions of leadership and service have been rolling
NEED OF PEOPLE IN THE DOMINICAN
around in their minds. Just as Jesus came down from the mountain changed after the Transfiguration, the students and chaperones who came back from this trip have been changed. Our world is a little bigger, our experiences a little broader, and our vision of God a little clearer.
REPUBLIC. WHEN I LEAVE, I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER: HELP WHENEVER AND WHEREVER IT IS NEEDED.” -JOSÉ
And it’s a vision we intend to share with this city.
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“I CRIED UNTO HIM WHO DELIGHTETH TO HEAR THE PRAYERS OF A POOR SINNER; AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY DUNGEON SHOOK, MY CHAINS FLEW OFF, AND GLORY TO GOD, I CRIED. MY SOUL WAS FILLED.” - RICHARD ALLEN, FORMER SLAVE AND FOUNDER OF MOTHER BETHEL A.M.E.
A FA I T H O F R E C O N C I L I AT I O N THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE OPENS
America, they visited Mother Bethel A.M.E., a church
WITH A BOLD PROFESSION that, “all men are created
founded by former slave Richard Allen. Mother Bethel is
equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with
among the most historically significant churches in
certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life,
America—it is a National Historic Landmark, and its land
Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” The closing
has been perpetually owned by African-Americans since
chapters of Scripture give a glimpse into heaven, where,
1787, longer than any other plot of land in America.
“a great multitude that no one could number, from every
Richard Allen and his congregation ran a station on the
nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages,”
Underground Railroad, tending to the needs of fugitive
gather together around the throne of God. The ideal
slaves and helping them adapt to life in Philadelphia. They
nation welcomes all people as equals; the nation of
also risked their lives tending to the gravely ill during the
heaven sees this beautifully realized. Despite the ideals of
Yellow Fever epidemic of 1793. Allen was ordained as the
state and Scripture, American history—even in Christian
first Black Methodist minister in 1799, signifying the
churches—has been ravaged by racial violence,
church’s changing attitudes towards racial reconciliation.
oppression, and injustice.
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At Mother Bethel, even in the 1700’s, Christians believed
Mr. Guy’s History of Philadelphia class decided to
that all men are created equal, that God’s love and grace
explore these issues firsthand. To gain a better
are for all people today, and that heaven will be populated
perspective on the history of religion and race in
by a beautifully diverse family of believers. “The faith they
Our third grade class also explores how Christian faith sparks social change. Harriet Tubman devoted her life to rescuing slaves and fighting for women’s right to Left: Kendra, Oriana, GiGi, Deorre, and Derrick discuss the inscription on Richard Allen’s tombstone. Top: Sabree learns about the history of Mother Bethel. Above: Lauren and Jasmine listen intently. Right: Alainah reflects on the life and example of Harriet Tubman.
preached,” Mr. Guy explains, “was one of action and reconciliation.” Living out the Gospel of peace in their community, the congregation of Mother Bethel helped transform American Christianity, bringing it closer to
vote—and she believed she was on a mission from God. After listening to Ms. Kimble teach about the life of Harriet Tubman during chapel service, students were asked to reflect on how her life could serve as a model for their own faith. Harriet Tubman is not thinking about being a slave, she thinks about the glory of being free. Her hope is set on freeing other slaves. My hope is set on encouraging and helping the oppressed all the time!
the ideal revealed in Scripture.
-LETICIA
“Richard Allen’s life is inspiring,” Jaylyn reflects, “He
She continued to pray and wait on the Lord. Even though
lived out his Christian faith in a way that changed the
she suffered, she knew there was something better waiting
course of American—and Christian—history.” A.J. adds
for her and others when they became free in the North. I
that, “Christianity has always called for peace and
set my hopes on God too.
justice between all groups of people. It was encouraging
-CIANI
to learn how people at Bethel helped redirect the Christian community back to what the Bible teaches.” Visiting this historic church gave students an opportunity to learn about the complicated role religion continues to play in racial reconciliation. The church
I hope that whatever I’m going through now that God will be glorified in my future. I hope in my future I can help people bravely.
-CALEB
has been both a force of oppression and an agent of
Harriet Tubman had sufferings, but she didn’t stop! Her
peace in our nation. “The church is made up of
hope was set on creating equal rights. I should set my hope
individuals,” Mr. Guy reminds us, “It is up to us to live
on helping people meet their needs and teaching God’s
our Christian faith in a way that honors Jesus and
word to others.
brings shalom to our community. We decide the role
-TEAH
Christianity will play in our world: one of oppression or one of peace-making. My prayer for this class is that my
As part of this exercise, students memorized Romans 8:18,
students will learn, from the history of Philadelphia,
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth
that Christians can—and must!—be peace-makers in
comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
their community.” 15
S U I T I N G U P F O R T H E I N T E R V I E W. . . T E N Y E A R S I N A D VA N C E AT THE CITY SCHOOL, WE SEE EDUCATION AS A LIFELONG COMMITMENT TO PURSUING TRUTH AND PUTTING IT INTO PRACTICE. Jesus told his
disciples the greatest commandment is to, “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Loving God with all your heart, soul, and mind means living out the love and grace of Jesus in every area of life, from the classroom to the college campus to the career field. “An excellent education does more than teach students to thrive as middle schoolers,” Mr. Spalding explains, “We look ahead and prepare them to honor God in high school, college, and ultimately in their careers.” This October, our middle school campus hosted its first ever Career Day, an opportunity for students to explore a diversity of career options and consider how their career path will allow them to love God and serve their neighbors. Volunteers from a wide range of careers set up booths on campus, welcoming students to ask questions about their work. We were pleased to host a professional chef, missionary, journalist, nurse, an African storyteller,
Students also had the opportunity to learn how to
accountant, lawyer—even an FBI agent! “Not every
present themselves as professionals. “They treated this
Christian is called to serve as a pastor or missionary,”
event like an interview,” Ms. Mercer says, “and the
Mrs. King explains to her students, “but every
presenters responded by treating our students like
Christian is called to live a life that shares the love of
young adults.” Mrs. Hamel shares that a few young
Jesus.” Students were challenged to think through how
men were designated as ambassadors; “they dressed in
each career path could provide opportunities to
suits and ties and greeted guests with a firm
demonstrate their faith.
handshake, introducing themselves and giving tours of
Larina, who hopes to teach kindergarten, suggests showing God’s grace by, “praying for students, encouraging them, and showing the same patience God shows to us.” Malik aspires to work as a dentist, and he sees taking care of our bodies as a natural expression of faith. “Reminding kids to brush their teeth every night is a way of showing my faith, because I can remind
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campus.” Ebony, an eighth grader who’s determined to be lawyer, valued her time practicing people-skills. “Mr. Joynes taught me how to make a good first impression,” she says, “—greet people with a smile and say your name with confidence, look them in the eye, shake hands, and always show that you want to be talking to the person you’re meeting.”
them they were created in God’s image and their body
“Our mission,” Ms. Hamel explains, “is to bring light to
is a temple.” Savion dreams of making it big in the
the city. That begins in the classroom, but it doesn’t
NBA, sharing that, “You can honor God on the
end there. We prepare students for their career
basketball court—sportsmanship, teamwork, and
because that is where they will spend most of their
determination are Christian values you can show your
lives—that’s where they will have the chance to live out
teammates, opponents, and fans.”
what we teach them at The City School.”
Left: While talking to a medical professional, Quinton takes notes on how to prepare for a career in the health sciences. Below: High school students Courtney, Najah, and Brooke research for their papers at the Philadelphia library.
T H A N K YO U TO E V E RYO N E W H O M A D E C A R E E R D AY A S U C C E S S ! Tom Rose, Web Developer; Bridget Joynes, Clinical Nurse Specialist Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania; Phil King, Missionary/Internship Coordinator; Joe Johnson, Electrical Engineer with AT&T; Karen Hess, Director of Alpha Pregnancy Services; Dorothea DiGiovanni, Court Accountant, Glenmede; John Kopp, Journalist; Patricia Harris, Insights Fellow Alumni Office Manager to Drs Winston & Durbin; Caroliese Frink Reid, Storyteller; April Gigetts, Construction Worker/Carpenter; Rhonda Albright, Nurse; Edie Penn, Lawyer; Will Macaluso, Chef at Southwark Restaurant; Mary Walker, Talent Management and Acquisition PECO; Scott Baber, FBI Special Agent; and Alan Joynes, Adjunct professor CCP and Delaware County Community College.
DANTE, UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS Dante graduated from The City School in 2013. He currently studies fine arts and graphic design at University of the Arts. “I want to make art that lasts a lifetime,” Dante says. “I just love to create—I draw, paint, sculpt, craft jewelry, design clothing, and make music. I live through my art.” “Students like Dante are the reason our city needs the arts,” Mr. Sinagra enthusiastically explains. “He uses his God-given talent to bring beautiful things to a world that needs beauty more than it knows. His art education gives him the ability to express his passion, and our city is more beautiful because of that.” Dante credits The City School with helping him realize his artistic potential. “Mr. Sinagra is the most inspirational teacher I’ve ever had,” he says. “Everything about him, from his work ethic to his artwork, is impeccable. I learned so much from him, and he plays a big part in why I attend UArts today.” For Dante, art is about more than self-expression—it’s a
CAREER TRAINING DOESN’T END THERE. Our high
school students complete a major research paper on a career of their choice as part of their Christ in Culture class. They learn what skills and education their career demands and are challenged to think critically about how they can glorify God
way of glorifying God as Creator. “My Bible teacher Mr. James and I would have honest, genuine talks about God. He always told me, ‘If there is one person you, as an artist, should relate to, it’s God. He’s the greatest artist there ever was.’ To this day, I still think about that.”
through their work. Our 100% college acceptance rate
Dante’s art has been featured in galleries across
ensures students are able to continue their education and
Philadelphia.
pursue their calling. 17
Margaret has a passion for world cultures. As a fifth grader, she spent two months in Mexico as part of her school’s international immersion program. As a college student, she spent a semester at Oxford studying medieval history and traveling Europe. She also lived for two years in Togo, West Africa, helping Togolese high school students enroll in American and European universities. Margaret brings enthusiasm and a love for people to our International Program. Welcome to the team!
A H O M E A W AY F R O M H O M E : INTRODUCING OUR INTERNATIONAL PROGRAM The City School is a place where diversity is embraced as a reflection of God’s artistry in creation, and we are excited to build a community that honors all people and gives everyone opportunities to see more of God’s world. In this spirit, we have recently launched an International Program and hired Mrs. Margaret Kendall as our first-ever International Coordinator. This decision flows naturally from our mission. “We are committed to making an excellent Christian education accessible,” Margaret explains, reflecting on our core commitment to accessibility. “Through our new International Program, we are able to open our doors to students who otherwise have no access to Christian education—some students even come from regions where sharing the Gospel is forbidden.” International students began seeking out The City School a few years ago. Many of our first international applicants came through our partnership with the Curtis Institute of Music. “We have a unique and very close relationship with The City School,” Curtis’ Dean of Students, Laurel Grady, says. “We accept talented young musicians from all over the world, and The City School is flexible and accommodating in allowing our students to take academic courses at their campuses while they continue to develop their musical gifts through Curtis. The City School provides an excellent education and we are proud to partner with them.” “When International students first began approaching us,” Principal Sorge says, “we were not sure how to serve them—we wanted to welcome them into our community, but we didn’t have the right systems in place. With Margaret spearheading our new program, we are able to give international students the one-on-one attention they need to thrive at our school.” Margaret corresponds with international applicants and helps them through the enrollment process, 18
W E N E E D YO U ! WE ARE SEEKING PASSIONATE, FRIENDLY FAMILIES TO TAKE PART IN OUR HOMESTAY PROGRAM. PARTICIPATING FAMILIES WILL SHARE THEIR HOME AND CULTURE WITH AN INTERNATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR. THIS IS AN EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY TO SHOW HOSPITALITY, BROADEN YOUR FAMILY’S GLOBAL UNDERSTANDING, AND BUILD A LASTING RELATIONSHIP WITH A YOUNG PERSON FROM ANOTHER COUNTRY. YOU WILL RECEIVE A STIPEND TO COVER THE COST OF HOSTING A STUDENT.
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REQUEST AN APPLICATION, PLEASE CONTACT MARGARET AT MKENDALL@CITYSCHOOL.ORG.
coordinates homestay arrangements, and meets with students to ensure their experience is one of joyful learning.
China, Korea, Brazil, and the Dominican Republic.” Our International Program allows us to educate students from
While we have been fortunate to enroll a few international
across the world, students who seek out The City School
students over the past few years, we recently enrolled our first
because we have a reputation for excellent academics. “Most of
new student through our International Program. Danny, a
our international students do not come from Christian
sophomore from Korea, says he loves living in America and
communities,” Margaret explains, “but they believe Christian
attending The City School. “I feel at home here, very
schools have the most rigorous academic programs.” Principal
welcomed. My teachers give me time after class to ask
Sorge believes, “We are first of all a school, and our first duty to
questions, and they make sure I understand what we are
international students is to give them a world-class education.
learning.” When asked if he enjoys living with the Beckers, he
But we also have the unique opportunity to show the love of
smiles widely, “We play games together like a big family—it’s a
Jesus to young people who may have never heard his name.”
lot of fun.” “International students benefit our entire community,”
The City School, Margaret says, “is a place we want to feel like home—even when home is seven thousand miles away.”
Margaret says, “They bring new perspectives and experiences that enrich classroom discussions and enliven school culture.” International students share new food, music, and art, and they provide valuable insight into our own society, helping us cultivate an atmosphere that draws from a diversity of cultures. “We believe in exploring new cultures because those cultures
Above Left: The Beckers lead by example: hosting Danny, our first-ever homestay student. For Caleb, having Danny around is like having a new big brother. Above Right: Margaret wants International students to thrive. She routinely checks in with student like Yi Fei to make sure they're acclimating to the culture, understanding their work, and feeling welcome in our community.
have intrinsic value,” Margaret explains, “We want to share what is great about America and embrace what is great about 19
BEHIND THE SCENES: ANNIE
“ACTING IS ALL ABOUT EXPRESSION, ” Jamara explains,
“I suggested we perform Annie,” she says, “because it’s my
“it’s real emotion and personality that draws the audience into
favorite musical of all time. It’s so diverse—you will laugh and
your performance.” Jamara, a sophomore at The City School,
cry and sing!” Norvasha played several supporting roles and
fell in love with acting at eight years old during a summer at
also choreographed the dance routines. Raphael, who played
Performing Arts Camp. Since then, she has been cultivating
Daddy Warbucks, dedicates his performance to his late father.
her God-given talent for theatrics. A few years ago, she even had the opportunity to act alongside Golden Globe nominee Kerry Washington in the independent drama Night Catches Us. More recently, Jamara played the lead role in our high school’s production of Annie.
hard-knock life? Annie’s tale is a search for love and meaning in the universe—for her place in a world that can seem so cold. But she perseveres and, in doing so, inspires everyone around her.” Jamara discerns a Christian message in the story.
“I can relate to Annie,” Jamara says, “She is hopeful, excited,
“Annie has faith in what she cannot see, and she holds out
bright, alive with passion, and she loves to sing—just like me!”
hope that someone out there loves her and is coming to her
Conversely, Gabriella played the heinous Miss Hannigan. “I
rescue. That’s a lot like our faith in Jesus.”
loved playing the role of the villain! She’s grumpy, rude, and disrespectful, but beneath that, she’s hurting and depressed. She’s a complex character and it was a joy playing her.” Norvasha jokes that she is “a drama queen,” and says she wanted to express her flair for the dramatic in a positive way.
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“Who among us,” Mr. Campbell asks, “cannot relate to the
Left: Orphans Ashley, Sonia, Grace, and Milan wish for families. Right Top: Annie (Jamara) is overwhelmed by the care shown for her by Daddy Warbuck’s staff. Right Bottom: Miss Hannigan (Gabriella), Rooster (Brandon), and Lily St. Regis (Nyeerah) celebrate their plan to get to Easy Street.
THIS IS AN ALL GAIN, NO LOSS O P P O R T U N I T Y. STUDENTS GAIN ACCESS TO AN EXCELLENT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION AND YOU GAIN THE FREEDOM TO DIRECT YOUR TAX DOLLARS TO A MISSION YOU SUPPORT. -Jon Warner, CEBS President, JP Warner Associates Human Resource Administrators
OSTC O P P O R T U N I T Y S C H O L A R S H I P TA X C R E D I T
Jon Warner is owner of JP Warner Associates, Inc. and Human Resource Administrators. He is also a faithful supporter of The City School. Through Pennsylvania’s OSTC program, Jon’s business is able to direct its tax dollars directly to student scholarships.
“The City School is educating the next generation of children and investing in the city of Philadelphia. Their Christian mission and loving atmosphere combine with a commitment to academic excellence. This is a school I am thrilled to support!
Jon Warner recently authored his second book, How to Win the Health Care Game, explaining health insurance history, legislative trends and forward-thinking concepts about high-quality, efficient insurance protection. It is available for purchase at Amazon.com.
My business has taken advantage of the OSTC program for the past ten years. Speaking as a business owner, this is an all gain, no loss opportunity. Students gain access to an excellent Christian education and you gain the freedom to direct your tax dollars to a mission you support.” If you are interested in directing your business’s tax dollars to need-based scholarships at The City School, please reach out to Hank Prevette, Development Associate, at 410.562.5775 or hprevette@cityschool.org. Special thanks to all our tax credit partners! Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) and Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) are provisions of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through which businesses can redirect their state tax dollars to provide scholarship assistance for students from low-income families.
BUILDING A HOME
S P R U C E H I L L C A M P U S R E N O VAT I O N S
Students, teachers, parents, and partners often describe The City School community as a family. If we are a family, our campuses are like homes. They are where we gather together to teach and learn, to worship, to share in fellowship together. In partnership with Berzinsky Architects, we are installing an archway and portico that warmly announces The City School’s presence in our neighborhood and welcomes guests inside. Our kindergarten classroom will be divided from the hallway running through it, allowing our students to pursue their love of learning uninterrupted. We need to raise $100,000. Will you prayerfully consider helping us turn this house into a home?